| Latest Review Posted | SMC Pentax-FA* 300mm F2.8 ED [IF]
This lens has all the positive traits you could ever ask for. It is amazingly sharp beyond F3.5 and the focus is faster. I have cropped images to 100% and still achieved excellent results. I have used it for photos of surfing, mountain biking and wildlife with excellent results everywhere. The autofocus continues to work well in near-dark conditions at high ISO's.
Potential buyers should be aware of the challenges of shooting a 300mm lens at F2.8. Although the focus is very fast and accurate on this lens any target that is moving (even a slow target like a swimming duck) is a big challenge to keep in focus. I also notice a tendency for my lens to back-focus adding to the challenge.
The other thing I would warn of is carrying this thing. When mounted to a monopod it is easy to hold but to carry this lens otherwise is extremely annoying. I find myself holding it in my arms like a baby. It is too fat to reach my fingers around, too heavy to carry by the camera body and the foot is too small to get a good grip on. I don't blame Pentax for creating this problem. It is a problem common to all 300mm F2.8 lenses I imagine... but it is annoying.
On the positive side it fits in my lowepro backpack with the 50-135, 16-50 and an extra body. |
